HARRISON COUNTY, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has officially recorded the first case of the West Nile virus in Iowa for 2024, it announced Thursday evening.
The department said the case was recorded in Harrison County in an individual between the ages of 61 and 80-years-old, and was confirmed after a test at the State Hygienic Lab.
In 2023, 17 Iowans were diagnosed with West Nile virus, with one fatality.
The HHS said that the primary way that West Nile virus can be transferred to humans is through mosquito bites.
Because of this, it recommends use of anti-mosquito measures which include:
- Using an insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, Para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks outside when possible
- Being aware of where standing water may collect
- Clearing the standing water as it is where mosquitos will most likely reproduce
The HHS says that oil of lemon eucalyptus and Para-menthane-diol should not be used on children younger than 3 years, and DEET should not be used on infants younger than 2 months.
If also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first, followed by the insect repellent.
When infected with the virus, some may not even know they have it. Some may experience mild symptoms, such as a fever or mild headache--but others could experience severe symptoms, including disorientation and muscle weakness.
Most who are infected will recover on their own, but if symptoms such as disorientation, sudden weakness or a severe headache occur immediate medical attention should be sought.